Knowledge Bank

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States [1]. Acute hyperglycemia is one of the risk factors for CVD-related mortality [2]. After a meal, the magnitude of postprandial hyperglycemia is inversely correlated to vascular function [3]. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is an early contributor to CVD. By lowering postprandial hyperglycemia, the risk of cardiovascular-related injury should decrease. Green tea has been seen to lower long-term CVD risk [4] and blood glucose levels [5]. The purpose of this study was to determine if a green tea extract (GTE)-containing confection would lower postprandial hyperglycemia that otherwise contributes to vascular dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.